I’ve joined a gym. They’ve got all the machines, plenty of natural light, and they’re right near the supermarket. Mmm. Donuts! Just kidding. I’m a binary kind of guy. When I do something, I commit fully and follow through with pig-headed persistence. So, by the time the summer shooting season arrives, I’ll be as fit as a fiddle, ready to reconsider the advantages of an inside the waistband holster. But I’ve never trained for armed self-defense, and I’m quite sure the PFTs at the gym would faint at the sight of a firearm. So what exercises apply? I reckon anaerobic fitness is key. Upper body strength is a plus. Despite cop physiques, bulging biceps and a thigh-wide neck are not on the menu. The ability to move is key. I’ll hit the net, but how do you train to shoot?
Okay, you’ve inspired me. I’m committed to improving my fitness. From now on, I’ll walk to the range.
Running with guns is dangerous. You can put your eye out!
Yoga. You will gain strength, flexibility, better balance and improved breathing. I suggest Power Yoga or Ashtanga.
I have tried free weights, exercise machines and running, but Yoga has done the most for me physically and mentally. I am 4 years into it and I am exactly the weight I want to be.
+1 on Yoga. But…it is very very difficult. It takes time and commitment. If you do it in front of others when you start out you will be very self conscious, mainly because you will look like an ass until you develop some proper strength and balance.
Also agree on the Yoga. In January it will have been one year of Yoga for me. My first day of Yoga I was 97 lbs and not able to do a single Sun Salutation because I couldn’t do a single pushup. Now I’m 105 lbs and able to knock out Sun Salutations by the dozens and I’m already starting work on advanced arm balances for additional upper body strength. Just the other day I knocked out about thirty pushups just for the fun of it.
Yes, it does take dedication but thankfully Yoga takes you where you are and teaches respecting one’s own body and its limitations with GENTLE progression.
The increased strength, flexibility and balance have certainly helped every aspect of my life but certainly my shooting, too.